Trump and Vance Challenge Spending Deal, Urge Higher Debt Ceiling

President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance recently criticized a government funding deal that Speaker Mike Johnson negotiated. This deal was meant to fund the government until March 14. They argue that the bill includes too many Democratic priorities and doesn't address the upcoming debt ceiling issue. Trump and Vance suggest a different approach: a temporary funding bill without Democratic perks, combined with an increase in the debt ceiling. They want Republicans to take a firm stance on spending and call out Democrats if they threaten a shutdown. This last-minute objection puts the government at risk of a shutdown just before Christmas. Top Democrats, like House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have made it clear they won't support a bill that ignores their agreement with Johnson. JD Vance later clarified that they support a clean continuing resolution, but only if it includes a debt limit increase. This sudden turn of events hints at a tumultuous second term for Trump, even with Republicans controlling both chambers of Congress. Johnson and his team now face uncertainty, as key Trump ally Elon Musk has urged Republicans to oppose the deal. The debt ceiling, suspended since June 2023, will return on January 2, requiring the Treasury to use its cash and extraordinary measures to pay bills. The nation's debt is currently $36. 2 trillion.